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Wisconsin Groups Discuss Possible Ban on Gas Stoves

Wednesday, January 18th, 2023 -- 11:01 AM

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(By Danielle Kaeding, Wisconsin Public Radio) Concerns are flaring up over whether gas stoves are safe for millions of Americans who use them after a federal agency official said it hadn’t ruled out a nationwide ban last week.

According to Danielle Kaeding with Wisconsin Public Radio, Wisconsin health and environmental groups say recent research raises concerns about their ties to asthma in children while proponents of gas stoves argue the findings aren’t supported by sound science.

Richard Trumka Jr. with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission ignited an uproar after he told Bloomberg gas stoves are a hidden hazard and "any option is on the table," including a ban.

However, the White House has since said President Joe Biden doesn’t support a ban, and the commission isn’t pursuing one at this time. The American Gas Association said recent findings ignored a previous study that found no evidence of a link between asthma and gas used for cooking.

Gas stoves are used in more than 47 million homes nationwide. In Wisconsin, federal data shows around 34 percent of nearly 2.4 million homes use natural gas for cooking. The stoves release pollutants like nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and fine particle pollution.

Research has found they also release methane, a greenhouse gas that’s 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide. A study published last month in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found nearly 13 percent of childhood asthma is linked to the use of gas stoves.

Researchers say that’s similar to asthma that’s been tied to secondhand smoke. Ann Behrmann, a former Madison pediatrician, said kids are at higher risk of respiratory issues from gas stoves because they breathe faster, and they’re more active than adults.

Behrmann said adults with diabetes, cardiovascular and respiratory disease are also at higher risk. She noted the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency monitors nitrogen dioxide outdoors, but there’s no indoor standards.

Research has found nitrogen dioxide levels can exceed the EPA’s outdoor guidelines without adequate ventilation. The stoves also give off volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide and even formaldehyde.

The nation’s top consumer watchdog agency is examining ways to reduce risks to indoor air quality from gas stoves. The Consumer Product Safety Commission is collecting input on the hazards related to gas stoves.

People concerned about pollution from their gas stoves can take several steps to reduce their exposure, according to Physicians for Social Responsibility. They include:

  • Use an exhaust hood;
  • Switch to an electric stove;
  • Use a fan or open a window to increase ventilation;
  • Cook on the back burners;
  • Install a carbon monoxide detector;
  • Use an induction burner;
  • And use other electric appliances like a microwave or toaster oven.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.